ZATCA Portal - All About ZATCA.GOV.SA Government Portal | Saudi Arabia

The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) (earlier known as GAZT), is the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s regulating authority for zakat, tax, e-invoicing and customs. 

The ZATCA portal (earlier known as the GAZT website) is a digital platform created by Saudi Arabia’s Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority to streamline services related to zakat, tax, and customs. Designed for both individuals and businesses, the portal offers an integrated system for tasks such as tax registrations, filing returns, making payments, and managing customs declarations, all while promoting transparency and efficiency in compliance.

The ZATCA Portal streamlines tax compliance, customs services, and general inquiries, making regulatory tasks more accessible across sectors. As Phase 2 of the e-invoicing mandate advances, the portal is crucial for VAT taxpayers, providing technical specifications, an indicative list of compliant e-invoice solution providers, and access to the Fatoora e-invoicing platform.

This blog will discuss about the following

• Overview of ZATCA and Its Purpose Introduction to ZATCA’s role in Saudi Arabia
• Quick links of the most used services of ZATCA like Zakat services and Fatoora e-invoicing
• Features of the ZATCA Portal Key functions like tax registration and e-invoicing
• Benefits of Using the ZATCA Portal Simplified compliance
• Frequently Asked Questions on ZATCA

Quick Navigation of ZATCA Portal

• Home Page
• Zakat, Tax and Customs (All Services)
• E-Invoicing
• Fatoorah Portal
• VAT Return Filing
• Zakat Return
• Tax Residency Certificate
• iOS App
• Android App

What is the ZATCA?

The Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority (ZATCA) is a Saudi Arabian government agency responsible for managing the collection of zakat, taxes, and customs duties. Established through the merger of the General Authority of Zakat and Tax and the General Customs Authority, ZATCA aims to enhance compliance, streamline customs and tax processes, and support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by promoting trade, security, and economic growth. Its strategic focus includes simplifying tax regulations, fostering transparency, and strengthening national and international trade relations.

Purpose of ZATCA Portal

The ZATCA portal (website and app) serves the following purposes

• Centralized Tax Services: Facilitates tax compliance for VAT, income tax, and excise taxes.
• Customs Assistance: Provides resources and tools for import/export procedures.
• E-Invoicing: Supports businesses with e-invoicing setup and compliance.
• Guidance and Support: Offers tutorials, FAQs, and a directory of solution providers.
• User-Friendly: Streamlines access to essential resources for seamless compliance.
• Transparency and Accessibility: Ensures clarity in tax obligations and efficient service navigation.

ZATCA Homepage

The ZATCA homepage navigation menu includes sections for E-Services, offering access to popular online services; Rules and Regulations, covering tax and customs laws; E-Invoicing, guiding digital invoicing compliance; and Integrated Tariffs, detailing customs duties. Other sections include Media Center for announcements, Knowledge Center for educational resources, and Contact Us for support and inquiries. 

e-Services provided by ZATCA

This tab lists down the main services of the ZATCA portal related to various taxes in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) region. The ZATCA portal offers services related to various taxes such as Zakat, customs, corporate income tax, Value Added Tax (VAT), excise tax, withholding tax, real estate tax service, etc.

There are 6 Major Categories of Services Provided by ZATCA. The list includes but is not limited to 

Here are the main services option of the ZATCA portal:

Zakat

It enables a person to register, pay and request a certificate for Zakat. One can amend its registration details and file returns for Zakat through the ZATCA portal. This option also enables you to register and deregister as a holding company.

Customs

This option enables taxpayers to enquire about custom declarations, print custom declarations, confirm arrival of express transport shipments, review offences and status of payment of insurance fees, register a new importer, request for release of bank letter of guarantee, etc.

Real Estate Tax service

This service on the ZATCA portal enables you to register your property for real estate transaction tax, check the status of the application, and cancel the same.

Corporate Income tax

Enables a corporate taxpayer to register, file a tax return, pay taxes and apply for a refund, request a certificate, submit objections, and request a ruling related to corporate income tax.

All other options such as withholding tax, excise and value-added tax offer similar facilities to taxpayers listed above in corporate income tax.

General Services

This option helps you to avail a wide range of general services through the ZATCA portal. You can deregister TIN and outlet, avail tax residency certificate, amend contact details, change the password for the ZATCA portal, and request escalation to the general secretariat of tax committees through this option.

Rules and Regulations

This tab lists down rules and regulations, and agreements related to various taxes on the portal. This tab has four sub-parts:

ZAKAT Custom and Tax Regulations

This contains regulations about Zakat, customs, corporate income tax, VAT, excise tax, and transfer pricing in KSA. In addition to this, it includes key regulations on e-invoicing and FATCA (Foreign Account Tax  Compliance Act).

Tax and Custom Agreements

It contains information on conventions signed with various countries all across the globe to avoid double taxation and prevent tax evasion concerning taxes on income.

Under Consultation Regulations

This contains the rules and regulations which are open for public comments. ZATCA is often keen to review specialists and public comments about regulations before issuing or amending them.

Exchange of Information Agreements

It contains various agreements like Common Reporting Standard Agreement, Country by Country Report (CBCR) Agreement, FATCA Agreement, and Mutual Administrative Assistance (MAC).

e-Invoicing

This tab on the ZATCA portal contains information about electronic invoicing, its roll-out phases, guidelines, laws, and regulations related to the same.

It contains five major options-

Introduction to e-Invoicing

This option gives information on e-invoicing in Saudi Arabia, its roll-out phases, and key rules and regulations related to it.

Prepare Your Business

This option on the portal lists the requirements to prepare the business for each phase of the e-invoicing rollout.

System Developers (ZATCA Developers)

This contains business, technical, and security requirements for e-invoicing that taxpayers must comply with ZATCA e-Invoicing Resolution.

Solution Providers

This contains a complete directory for e-invoicing solution providers who have passed the qualification process and criteria as per e-invoicing requirements. This list is only indicative; taxpayers may choose any e-invoicing solution provider to comply with the regulations.

E-invoicing Failure Notifications

This service enables users to report incidents, technical issues, or urgent matters with their E-Invoicing solution that disrupt the creation of Electronic Invoices or Notes.

Fatoora platform

This platform allows users to generate Phase 2 ZATCA compliance e-invoices manually using Taxpayer’s login.

Issuing Invoices for Special Cases Form

This form allows businesses to request ZATCA’s approval for issuing self-invoices or third-party invoices, following specific terms and a formal agreement. This ensures compliance, with suppliers retaining responsibility for tax obligations and accurate reporting within periodic VAT returns.

Integrated Tariffs

This tab on the portal contains information on customs tariffs, such as Clearance and Exporting Procedure Guidelines, Civil Aviation, Discounted Goods List, Special Laboratory Items, etc. It also includes information on GHS and the International Convention on Harmonised Systems.

Media Center

This tab on the portal covers all news, publications, announcements, and media reports related to various taxes and other key decisions by ZATCA.

Knowledge Center

The knowledge centre consists of various manuals, guidelines, and notes about taxation and different sectors, such as VAT guidelines for govt bodies in KSA, withholding tax guidelines, Zakat guidelines for the construction sector, etc.

Contact Us

This tab helps give suggestions and feedback and lodging complaints on the ZATCA portal. A 24*7 hotline number is given under this tab to assist the users regarding services rendered through the portal. Click here to know more.

Benefits of Using the ZATCA Portal

Here are the main benefits of using ZATCA Portal

• Efficient Compliance: Manage VAT, Zakat, excise duties, and customs declarations seamlessly.
• E-Invoicing Support: Access to e-invoicing tools and compliant solution providers.
• Transparency & Fairness: Clear guidelines and secure, structured processes for all users.
• Innovation & Digitization: Future-proof platform with advanced data and analytics capabilities.
• Customer-Centric Services: Tailored solutions for user ease and positive experiences.
• Trade Facilitation: Simplifies export/import processes, supporting economic growth.
• Aligned with Vision 2030: Contributes to Saudi Arabia’s goals for sustainability and competitiveness.

Conclusion

The ZATCA Portal is a comprehensive digital platform for managing zakat, tax, and customs compliance in Saudi Arabia, facilitating efficient registration, e-invoicing, and customs declarations. It provides user-friendly services mostly free of cost, with minimal fees on customs-related transactions. Available in both English and Arabic, the portal supports domestic and international access, ensuring users can comply with regulations smoothly.